Goodhue County Soil Data
Goodhue County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Goodhue County, Minnesota
Balanced and Productive Goodhue Soils
Goodhue County boasts a near-perfect pH of 6.45, which sits just under the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited, the overall soil score of 79.4 is significantly higher than the state average of 73.0. This profile indicates a highly capable foundation for various agricultural uses.
Silt-Heavy Texture for Easy Working
The soil is dominated by 53.5% silt, creating a smooth and workable texture for farmers and gardeners. With 29.2% sand and 17.2% clay, the mix strikes a balance between easy tilling and essential structural stability.
Reliable Moisture for Growing Crops
The organic matter content is 3.77%, which is higher than the national average of 2.0% but lower than the state's typical 9.9%. However, its available water capacity of 0.199 in/in matches the state average exactly, providing a dependable reservoir for plants.
Steady Hydrology and Water Retention
Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the high silt content suggests moderate water movement through the profile. The soil's ability to hold water at the state average rate helps protect crops during dry spells without becoming overly saturated.
Orchards Thrive in Zone 4b
Located in Hardiness Zone 4b, this soil is ideal for apples, pumpkins, and various grains. With its high soil score of 79.4, you have some of the best land in the state to start your next garden project.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Goodhue County have?
Goodhue County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 29% sand, 53% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Goodhue County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Goodhue County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Goodhue County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Goodhue County.
What crops or plants grow well in Goodhue County's soil?
Based on Goodhue County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.4, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Goodhue County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Goodhue County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Goodhue County
Soil Verdict
Goodhue County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -25°F. Soils here experience deep freeze cycles that can disrupt structure, kill shallow roots, and slow microbial activity for months each year.
Planting Guidance
Focus on cold-hardy perennials, native grasses, and conifers. The short growing window favors plants with low heat requirements. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind protection. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Deep winter freezing can create soil heaving that pushes shallow-rooted plants out of the ground; add 3-4 inches of organic mulch each fall. Soil drainage is critical — frozen, waterlogged soil kills roots faster than cold alone. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Goodhue County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Goodhue County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Minnesota
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.